Following the successful event in May in Chora, the Andros Oral History Group (OPIAN) held two new events in Korthi and Gavrio, featuring the screening of a video with testimonies from local residents on the traditional water management in Andros. These events gave more residents and visitors the opportunity to learn about important aspects of local history through the voices of those who experienced it firsthand.
As part of this initiative, excerpts from 32 interviews were shown, vividly illustrating the relationship of Andriots with water, including irrigation practices, the role of the neroulades (water carriers), “nerochartia” (water maps), water disputes, everyday uses, the operation of watermills, as well as legends and diseases related to water.
On August 3, 2025, at the Environmental Education Center in Agia Triada, Korthi, in collaboration with the Andriots’ Association “To Korthion,” the Andros Oral History Group’s video was re-screened, attended by approximately 30 people. This was followed by a discussion.
On August 11, 2025, in the courtyard of Gavrio Elementary School, in collaboration with the “Philoprodo Club of Gavrio,” the video featuring residents’ testimonies about water was re-screened to a large audience. Among others, Deputy Mayor Mr. Andreas Vossos and publisher Mr. Giorgos Dardanos spoke and shared their views on the topic.
Beyond the atmosphere of nostalgia and emotion that pervaded the attendees at both events, after the screening of the interview video, storytellers and members of the audience took the floor in an engaging discussion that followed, marked by thoughtful reflections and debates in light of the ongoing period of severe water scarcity.
The members of OPIAN emphasized to the audience the importance of recording memories and issued a call to storytellers, both younger and older, to share and document their experiences and knowledge. They also invited those interested to be trained and participate in conducting interviews so that the rich heritage and memories of Andros are preserved and passed on to future generations.
We warmly thank the Andriots’ Association “To Korthion” and its President, Ms. Ioanna Katsarou, as well as the Philoproodos Club To Gavrio and its President, Ms. Betty Konstantinidi, for their collaboration and for organizing the events.
